Chinese Finger Trap Self-Help: How Acceptance of Powerlessness Leads to Freedom and Love

Over the years, I have come to understand that acceptance is a powerful human characteristic, which can be curative for a wide range of human challenges, including issues related to recovery. According to Alcoholics Anonymous, "Unless I accept life on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."

Consider for a moment the childhood brainteaser of the “Chinese finger trap.” This interwoven tube of heavy paper locks its user’s fingers in place when one finger from each hand is inserted into each end of the channel. Subsequent attempts to remove one’s fingers prove fruitless.

The secret to freeing oneself from the Chinese finger trap is to accept that one is powerless over it. Although this mindset may initially seem self-defeating, it is actually a lesson in “living life on life’s terms.” Controlling the Chinese finger trap is not the goal. As one accepts the powerlessness, one can finally focus upon the true goal of freedom. This renewed focus allows one to let things happen and do things consistent with freedom, in order to solve the dilemma. Instead of simultaneously pulling one’s fingers in opposite directions, which creates more of a stuck sensation, one can push one finger into the trap, which actually helps to loosen its grip.

I often use this above analogy within my private-practice, in order to illustrate to my clients the power of acceptance in dealing with their presenting concerns. In real life, it tends to be easier to accept the unacceptable, if one can first find something within the situation about which to be grateful. Therefore, gratitude helps to lead to acceptance. Acceptance can help to lead to forgiveness. Forgiveness can help to lead to the quintessential experience of love.

In light of the above, consider the following example. A teenager totals his new car. He is angry with himself for not having made a complete stop at the stop sign. He struggles with guilt and upset for several weeks, because he does not accept the fact that he acted so foolishly. Eventually, he begins to appreciate the fact that nobody was injured and his insurance has paid for his automobile replacement. Now, he can begin to accept the fact that accidents happen and he can learn from the experience. Finally, he can begin to forgive himself and feel appropriate self-love, despite his human condition.